German Bundesliga: Week 34 Preview

We preview round 34 of the 2016/17 German Bundesliga season.

With the Bundesliga entering its final weekend, there are still some intriguing subplots yet to be concluded. Neither Dortmund nor Hoffenheim know who will be forced to qualify for the Champions League next season, while Cologne could still sneak into the Europa League if Freiburg can’t snatch a point at the champions. If Hamburg beat Wolfsburg at home, they’ll force the fallen giants to qualify for their place in the top flight next season.

Saturday 20 May Bayern Munich 1/6 | Draw 13/2 | Freiburg 11/1
The German champions proved exactly why they are a cut above any other side in this league with a spectacular 5-4 win against away at second-placed Leipzig. Bayern battled back from a 4-2 deficit when late drama ensued at Red Bull Arena. Robert Lewandowski scored in the 84th minute before David Alaba levelled in the first minute of stoppage time. Arjen Robben struck a deeply late 96th minute goal to seal an unlikely win for the Bavarians.

Freiburg condemned Ingolstadt to relegation as they drew 1-1 at home to leave themselves two points above Cologne in sixth. They could be the second promoted side this season to secure a European berth. The Under 3.5 Goals market makes real appeal at 12/10 given previous head-to-heads.Dortmund 2/11 | Draw 13/2 | Werder Bremen 19/2
Dortmund slipped up in their pursuit of third place as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Augsburg. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalised for BVB to go level with Lewandowski as the Bundesliga’s top scorer on 28 goals. The league’s Golden Boot will be decided this weekend.

Equal on points with Hoffenheim, Dortmund need to win to avoid having to qualify for the Champions League next season. They face what was a form side in Werder Bremen, who have lost two on the trot after going unbeaten in 11. Nevertheless, Werder Bremen have scored three in both losses and Both Teams to Score is the tip at 5/10.Monchengladbach 7/20 | Draw 17/4 | Darmstadt 13/2
Monchengladbach have little to play for and drew 1-1 with Wolfsburg in a match that was far more important for their opposition.

This week however, the fixture is important for neither side. Gladbach could improve their league position but have little motivation to do so, while Darmstadt have already been relegated. This could play out as a bit of a dead rubber and Under 2.5 Goals is the bet at 17/10.

Hertha Berlin 1/1 | Draw 49/20 | Leverkusen 26/10
Hertha Berlin beat already relegated Darmstadt 2-0 away from home last weekend to win an important three points in their bid to play in the Europa League next season. Their goal difference should keep them clear of Cologne should they lose this match and the worst-case scenario seems sixth place.

Leverkusen are safe of relegation but will need to reflect on a season in which they cannot finish in the top half of the table. It’s simply not good enough for a club of their stature. Leverkusen haven’t won in six matches but Both Teams to Score is the tip at 13/20.

Cologne 6/10 | Draw 31/10 | Mainz 17/4
Cologne took a 2-0 lead in their match away at Leverkusen last weekend, before conceding twice to share the spoils. The club have a realistic shot at sneaking into the Europa League should they claim all three points here and Freiburg fail to avoid defeat at the mighty Bayern Munich.

Mainz will need to lose catastrophically here to be sucked into the spare relegation/promotion place and as such I expect them to sit back and attempt to limit excessive damage. Back the home win at 6/10.Hamburg 31/20 | Draw 9/4 | Wolfsburg 33/20
Hamburg sit in the promotion/relegation playoff place and only three points at home can prevent them contesting their third playoff in four years. If they can secure three points here at home to Wolfsburg, Hamburg will go a point above their opponents, who can only hope that Augsburg lose heavily away at Hoffenheim and that goal difference saves them.

It is unlikely and Wolfsburg should be motivated to not leave it to chance and secure at least a point here. I’m tipping the away Win/Draw Double Chance at 9/20.Ingolstadt 16/10 | Draw 5/2 | Schalke 15/10
Ingolstadt’s two-year stay in the Bundesliga was concluded last weekend as they could only draw 1-1 away at Freiburg. They will look to prepare for a season in 2. Bundesliga and try and give their supporters a positive feeling heading into next season.

Schalke could only draw 1-1 with Hamburg at home last weekend but have little to play for in mid-table. This one could play out rather tamely and Under 2.5 Goals looks a good bet at 12/10.Hoffenheim 7/20 | Draw 17/4 | Augsburg 6/1
Hoffenheim showed their intent of beating Dortmund to automatic Champions League qualification by hammering in-form Werder Bremen 5-3 away from home last weekend. They’re still four astray of Dortmund when it comes to goal difference and will be aware that Werder Bremen could trouble their rivals this weekend.

Hoffenheim must simply do what Dortmund couldn’t last weekend and beat Augsburg, who will only be looking to avoid a heavy defeat and not drop below Wolfsburg on goal difference. I’m tipping a home win here at 7/20.

Eintracht Frankfurt 26/10 | Draw 11/4 | Leipzig 17/20
Frankfurt’s diabolical Ruckrunde form continued as they were beaten 4-2 by Mainz last weekend. It leaves Frankfurt with nothing to play for in mid-table, with the DFB-Pokal final next weekend surely their only concern.

Leipzig led 4-2 at home against Bayern Munich but bottled it to lose 5-4 in dramatic fashion. Nevertheless, the club will finish second in the Bundesliga and play in the Champions League next season, a remarkable achievement for the promoted side. Back Leipzig to secure the away win here at 17/20.

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